By John Posada
originally published: 05/01/2026
(HOLMDEL, NJ) -- Roman Productions presented The SpongeBob Musical Jr. at Saint John Vianney High School April 25-26, 2026. Under the direction of Wendy Roman, this production showcased the strength of a youth theater program rooted in confidence, collaboration, and individuality. Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.
Roman has a rare ability to recognize each performer's unique strengths and shape them into authentic, confident performances on stage. With a thoughtful and hands-on approach, she creates an environment where young actors feel supported, challenged, and inspired to take risks. Her work not only develops strong performers, but helps students build lasting confidence, stage presence, and a genuine connection to the craft.
Assistant Directors Brian O'Brien, Dana Maley, and Giada Garcia supported the production, helping to foster a positive and collaborative rehearsal environment where the cast can grow both individually and as an ensemble. O'Brien also brought Broadway experience to the program, with credits including Chicago, Steel Pier, Beauty and the Beast, Annie Get Your Gun, The Pirate Queen, and Promises, Promises.
Vocal guidance was led by Giada Garcia and Alexis Lombardo whose work strengthened the performers' confidence, clarity, and overall musicality. Choreography was led by Wendy Roman, with Gabby Bataglia and Mia Invento assisting on select numbers, including "(Just a) Simple Sponge" and the high-energy Electric Skate sequences.
Sound was managed by Giada Garcia, while stage lighting by Brooke Ruby Roman enhanced the visual atmosphere and overall production quality.
Leading the cast was Brody Fitzgerald as SpongeBob SquarePants, delivering a performance filled with energy, humor, and heart. Claire Cavelry appeared as Patrick Star, Farah Ramjohn as Squidward, Jillian Vincelli as Sandy Cheeks, Sidney Asch as Mr. Krabs, Lia as Pearl Krabs, Vianne Jackson as Plankton, and Vienna Schultz as Karen.
The ensemble included Raina Ramjohn and Mia Zahakos as Perch Perkins/Sardine/Sea Anemone, Juliet Zahakos as Electric Skate/Sardine/Sea Anemone, Liliana Eisenbraun as Old Man Jenkins/Electric Skate/Sardine/Pirate, Bella Abbud as French Narrator/Electric Skate/Sardine/Pirate/Sea Anemone, and Lincoln Asch as Patchy the Pirate/Sardine.
The Junior Ensemble added an extra layer of charm to the production, bringing enthusiasm, joy, and a sense of discovery that reflects the program's commitment to growth and creativity.
Here are more photos from the production.
Overall, the production highlighted the best of youth theater—an experience that not only entertains, but builds confidence, encourages collaboration, and celebrates the individuality of every performer on stage.
Those interested in becoming part of this supportive and creative program can look ahead to the upcoming summer session. The program will run from July 6 through July 31, with daily sessions held from 9:00am to 3:00pm. Participants will receive training in acting, singing, and dancing, culminating in a final performance of The Lightning Thief.
ALL PHOTOS BY JOHN POSADA
About the author: John Posada is a New Jersey based photographer specializing in photographing live theatre and music performances. Currently, John has spent the last 6 years concentrating on photographing almost 400 theater productions at over 70 different NJ theatres. Click here for John's website.
EVENT PREVIEWS
Middlesex County Plays-in-the-Park to Host Auditions for "Curious George: The Golden Meatball" on August 12th
(EDISON, NJ) -- Middlesex County's Plays-in-the-Park is holding auditions for its fall 2026 children's production of Curious George: The Golden Meatball on Wednesday, August 12, at 6:00pm at the Stephen J. Capestro Theatre located inside Roosevelt Park in Edison. Everyone's favorite mischievous monkey and his friend in the yellow hat sing and dance up a storm in this adventure-filled musical.
Music Mountain Theatre presents "Alice By Heart"
(LAMBERTVILLE, NJ) -- Music Mountain Theatre presents Alice By Heart with three performances from August 12-13, 2026. From the Tony and Grammy Award-winning creators of Spring Awakening (Steven Sater and Duncan Sheik) and co-written by Jessie Nelson (Waitress) this is a touching musical inspired by Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.
Chimera Productions presents "Job" at Paul Robeson Center for the Arts
(PRINCETON, NJ) -- New Jersey-based theater company Chimera Productions will present its 17th production, Job by Max Wolf Friedlich, from August 13-15, 2026 at 8:00pm each night. The play, presented in the intimate 60-seat theater inside Princeton's Paul Robeson Center for the Arts, is a psychological thriller that offers a sharp, darkly funny, and unsettling examination of our addiction to work, the internet, the cost of modern life, and what we're willing to sacrifice to belong.
Masquerade Theatre presents "Myths, Legends & Folklore Showcase"
(RIVERSIDE, NJ) -- Masquerade Theatre presents Myths, Legends & Folklore Showcase with performances on Friday, August 14 and Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 8:00pm each night.
Asbury Park Theater Company to Hold Open Auditions for "The Wolves" by Sarah DeLappe
(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- Asbury Park Theater Company (APTCo) has announced that its first mainstage production under newly appointed Producing Artistic Director Nate Patten will be The Wolves, Sarah DeLappe's Pulitzer Prize finalist play that has captivated audiences across the country with its sharp wit, emotional honesty, and unforgettable portrait of young women finding their voices.
Ferrell Studios Community Theatre presents "Merrily We Roll Along"
(METUCHEN, NJ) -- Ferrell Studios Community Theatre, a nonprofit theatre organization serving Central New Jersey, announces its upcoming production of Merrily We Roll Along, with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by George Furth. The production will close the company's 2025-26 season, themed "Our Time," with five performances at St. Luke's Episcopal Church Auditorium in Metuchen, NJ from August 20-23, 2026.
Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey presents Rogue Shakespeare with "The Merry Wives of Windsor"
(MADISON, NJ) -- This August, The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ) invites audiences to experience Shakespeare the way it was meant to be — immediate and gloriously bold — with Rogue Shakespeare: The Merry Wives of Windsor, running August 14-23, 2026 at the F. M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre on the campus of Drew University.
Main Street Theatre Company presents "Pippin"
(OLD BRIDGE, NJ) -- Main Street Theatre Company presents the musical, Pippin, across two weekends from August 15-23, 2026. There's magic to do when a prince learns the true meaning of glory, love and war in Stephen Schwartz's iconic and unforgettable musical masterpiece.
Center Drama presents "Grease"
(DEAL, NJ) -- Center Drama presents the classic musical, Grease, from August 13-23, 2026 at the JCC Performing Arts Center in Deal. With a hip-shaking rock 'n' roll score featuring hits like "Summer Nights" and "We Go Together," Grease celebrates Rydell High's class of 1959 in all their duck-tailed, bobby-soxed, gum-snapping glory.
Spring Lake Theatre presents "Bye Bye Birdie"
(SPRING LAKE, NJ) -- Spring Lake Theatre presents Bye Bye Birdie from August 12-16, August 20-23, 2026. Teenagers, rock & roll and national television – this musical captures the energy and excitement of the late 1950s with warmth, hilarity and an exuberant score.
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